At the start of 2026, Bayern Munich were expected to sign at least one central defender in the summer. They reportedly held talks with Marc Guehi for a free transfer in the summer, but the English defender left Crystal Palace in January to join Manchester City.
Die Roten’s eagerness to explore the market for a center-back was largely due to the uncertainty around the future of Dayot Upamecano. The French center-back had entered the final six months of his contract. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with Upamecano during the first half of the season.
However, Upamecano made a swift decision and committed his future to Bayern. The French center-back signed a new deal, squashing all reports suggesting a move away from Bavaria.
Bayern had settled options in the heart of the defense after Upamecano’s renewal. The Frenchman is the first-choice center-back alongside Jonathan Tah. Kim Min-jae is the third-choice central defender, while Hiroki Ito is the fourth option in the squad.
The Bundesliga champions were initially considering a departure of Kim Min-jae this summer, but eventually decided to keep him. They have no intention of signing a central defender, but this will not stop them from considering their long-term targets.
According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern are keeping a close tab on VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch. The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at Stuttgart, getting game time of more than 2000 minutes across all competitions. Die Roten will consider signing him when a center-back spot opens up in the squad in the future transfer windows.
Bayern may need two center-backs next summer
Interest in Jeltsch is not surprising since Bayern will soon need young central defenders. Tah will turn 31 this season, while Kim Min-jae will be 30 by the end of the season. Die Roten are also open to listening to offers for Hiroki Ito this summer.
With Upamecano as the leader of the pack, it will be a proactive approach from Bayern to sign young defenders and refresh the back line in the near future. They have already added a young defender to the back line by signing Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. Brown will compete with Alphonso Davies for the left-back spot in the starting XI. The German international can also play higher up the pitch and in the center of the park. Die Roten were reportedly interested in signing a new right-back, but the contract renewal of Konrad Laimer ensured it is not a necessity this summer.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored
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